Shooting the 1851 Navy Colt

[@anthonycalbillo9376]

Thank you for mentioning that this is NOT a toy. I subscribed by the way.

[@GITSVermeer]

I am in the process of writing a historical novel (my second book), and this gun plays a major role in one of the chapters. This video helped me by describing some awesome details; thanks a lot! :)

[@85Reywas]

Name of the book O_O

[@jackspring7709]

Good luck with the novel! I live in the UK and I've been a fan of the Colt Navy 1851 since the famous gun store scene in 'The Good The Bad and The Ugly'. As a point of interest, I saw on Pawn Stars recently that in 1847 Colt made a (very) short run of the powerful Colt Walker, which was so powerful that sometimes the barrel would explode! So they redesigned it and released the Colt Dragoon - the Dragoon looks almost identical to the Navy 1851. Once again- good luck.

[@GITSVermeer]

@@jackspring7709 Thank you so much! Colt Navy is named in my book too!

[@jackspring7709]

Nice one. Good luck and all the best!

[@hekpacobctac616]

You need Mike Belleview from duelist 54. He's a guru of BP guns

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

What a great comparison and good shootin I might add! I make paper cartridges for my 51 Navy and indeed they are quicker and easier to load. But there is also something special about loading loose powder and ball. Perhaps it’s totally historical? Of course on the battlefield I’d want paper cartridges. Hard to imagine trying to load loose powder and ball in the heat of battle! But then again with single shot muskets and rifles I suppose there isn’t much difference. Kind Thanks for your super channel, Love it! And Many Blessings to you and your family! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@RobertMcCune007]

Your fifth shot looked like a chain fire. Looking at the video, when you fired shot five a lot more smoke and fire from left side

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

I think you're right. There wasn't enough change in recoil to noticed it at the time. Being on camera, even though not live, influences that. But it does appear to be the 5th shot. Thanks for watching.

[@walterashley149]

Looked away for a minute, But heard the chain fire...sounded like a special effect!!!

[@flyboybbq1718]

If number 5 was a chain fire, there would have been no number 6. The cap would have gone off with no recoil. Shot number 2 at 27:13 did the same thing, and after reviewing number one at 27:04, it did also.

[@greghardy9476]

You can just make out the flash from the 6th chamber on shot 5.

[@jaxn13]

I’m not a gun guy particularly, but I’m a history guy for sure. After reading blood meridian, I decided I’m going to get into black powder shooting. I’m fascinated with the period. Been watching and researching everything to know about the alchemy of black powder and general safety before I even purchase anything. Thanks for the video! Excited to get started.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Welcome to the party Jaxn! You're in for a lot of fun. Thanks for watching and commenting. Todd

[@bunkstagner298]

Be careful Black Gunpowder is addicting and you can contract that dreaded gottogitanothergunitis. And there is no cure but can be temporarily relived by buying another Black Gunpowder gun.

[@filipbodnar2947]

Damn, blood meridian brought me to this video too surprisingly. I found the weapons they used in the book interesting too, because of the combination of very primitive weapons like lances and swords mixed with some pretty state of the art mechanical weapons like this percussion pistol in the video. It all just felt fuckin raw. Even though they I found out they weren't that common during the time period. They still used flintlock pistols a lot of the time which I don't recall being mentioned in the book.

[@Noobish_Camper55]

If you did follow through I bet your collection is more than just one black powder revolver by now. Never met a new gun owner who didn't buy some friends for their first gun.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

I have an 1861 Navy - and it’s also a very good pointer. And there are quite a few folks now that rely on these for self defense….

[@mikepoteet1443]

I've got one in .44 (pietta)

[@asherdog9248]

That's some kind of scenery behind you.... Did he fire six or five is today your lucky day????

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Great movie reference, Asher. Thanks for watching.

[@megatrends]

10:58 Good explanation of the lubing process ... I use lubed felt wads. I know a couple of older gentlemen with 110 yrs experience between the two that tell me if your ball fits properly and you get a good ring you don't need lube to seal for prevention of chain fires. The old guys use lube however for lubing the rifling to prevent lead filling them up and rendering your pistol to being what equates to a smooth bore and no accuracy. They very quickly a few years ago told me to stop saying the lube prevents chain fires and was why people do it, while it does it isn't why they did that .... it was to prevent the rifled grooves from clogging with lead and also to help keep the gun more fresh from burnt powder longer. Cleaning lead from grooves is very time consuming and not easy in spots so I lube! Sounds funny calling them old guys as I'm 53!

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Other guys are old guys, not us! I agree with your assessment above. The only time lubing the front prevents a chain fire is in those cases where a chamber is out of round. It seemed more prevalent on the cheap knockoffs in the 70s where the drill walked a little bit when boring out the chambers and made them slightly oval. I've seen photos of light leaking around a seated ball when no powder is in the chamber and the nipple is removed. Otherwise, you're right. Lube is there to lube the bore and keep the fouling soft. Thanks for the comments.

[@megatrends]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 Yeah, caught that in your video and yes that is true. I've seen a couple of videos where someone retaps the chamber just a smidge to try and fix that with some success.

[@realslimsh8y]

110 years of experience...

[@tomcooper748]

I loved this video and bookmarked it as "best". The 1851 Navy Colt is my favorite and would love to see you make a video on the history of all the cartridge conversions for this particular model. There are a few videos on the subject out there but fall way short on detail. Hope you can and thanks for what you do.

[@billysmith6284]

That gun is pretty close to a 9mm.. 777 powder and a conical is more than lethal.. and that’s the gun Wild Bill used to kill many.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

No doubt Billy. I wouldn't want to be in front of one. I think we severely underestimate the effectiveness of the old guns. Great point. Todd

[@jerrodladner3019]

The war that these guys was used in had more casualties than all other wars put together. They are real guns for sure

[@BaddFrogg777]

More than 300,000 lives lost in the Civil Wars and that is a lot.

[@alanhope1190]

@@BaddFrogg777 And all Americans…

[@Bhartrampf]

I like the Eras Gone bullets also, and the molds are built pretty good too. Nice job on the video.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Have you measured the chamber bore diameter of this 1851 ? I have just taken delivery of the same gun and find that the chamber bores are .373", which given the groove diameter is .379" does not look good for accuracy with all that gas forcing by, I very much doubt that a ball will upset, (which of course is why we use pure lead), as does a conical bullet, so it looks like a reaming out to .380" job for me. Chris B.

[@stevenbaker9327]

Thats an accurate one! Mine shoots over a foot high at 20 yds.!....with 15 grs.!

[@richardbreisch8049]

Another thing not to be critical but please use a wood dowel to seat the percussion caps! Just food for thought!

[@johnoconnor431]

I have that pistol and love it

[@victorshults242]

I have 1851 - 36cal and the 1858 - 44cal

[@leftyslimm7222]

My Dad has a CVA model he assembled, chambered .445 Is hands down the most well balanced black powder revolver I've ever shot. It will pivot from vertical to level effortlessly with your thumb on the hammer, it's cocked and ready..the old man build four or five different models, but that navy colt was something special

[@almartin4284]

I have been shooting Black powder pistols for 55 years. I found that the easiest way to load one is to solder a small funnel (I use a cake decoration funnel made of stainless steel) at the end of a brass tube (5/16th inch diameter) long enough to go into the barrel and reach all the way down into the cylinder. I prop my pistols up on a pistol stand that I made and load very quickly, pouring the powder down the barrel, filling the cylinders with powder. It's impossible to double charge a cylinder. I can load all six chambers faster than anyone can pouring powder from the side. Try it, you'll like it.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

I might do that. Thanks, Todd

[@louisdisbury9759]

Great Shooting.

[@markburke2533]

You could go rabit hunting with that navy.

[@normanmcdermid1951]

How do I, living in South Africa, obtain one of these revolvers????????????

[@SeeYouInValhalla615]

...if you couldn't one...not such a thing...the replicas are not very good...

[@arthurvarady7258]

The straight wall cones that you put on would be period correct leaves a minute gap between the precusion cap and that’s your chain fire on #5 shot. Most cones that come factory or even slixshot are shaped like an ice cream cone they tapper as you would know For a more tighter fit with no gap.really wonderful video I like the period correct shirt.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Arthur. I'll pay attention to the way the caps fit on the cones. They seemed tight, but obviously not.

[@SlickSixguns]

I used to own one. I got rid of it a few years ago. I miss it.

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

You really need to bang the flask against the measure to settle the powder. When you do this you will see that 30 grain measure was actually 25. Its very inaccurate just pouring into a measure and not rattling it to settle the powder. Your 22 grains i garuntee was more like 16 due to you not settling it. Ive shot thousands of thousands of shots.. never seen an (ember) in a cylinder.. maybe in a rifle ? But ya. I see you do thr urging and why.. but the time it takes to go from measure to cylinder is nearly double of trippled.. when you got 1 hour of shooting time at a range that step isnt really needed. Lube isnt ment to stop chains fires.. its the oversized ball. But keep telling yourself that lol. Chain fires will also happen through the caps/nipples. Lube is also a waste of time. I havent noticed any diff between no lube and using lube (as far as fouling softness). i havent noticed any diff between lube and no lube when shooting 6+ cylinders worth in any of my 6 cap n ball revolvers. Just a waste of time and money imo. 22 grains might be good to save money on plinking shots.. but for self defense i load 35 grains. More power more fps. And yes i do carry 2 1851 44 cal navy for self defense occasionally. I also carry 6 when i carry thrm.. i never load 5.. th3 safety pin or notch on thr remington is plenty. Not to mention PERCUSSION look up the definition it needs a strong impact to set off.. full force for the spring.. even half cock spring force isnt enough to set it off. Next time pinch your caps when you put them on. Then cock and decock and push the hammer on the cap to seat it I also load 30 in a 36.. I

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks for watching, Jacon. I appreciate your knowledge and experience. Chain fires come from the rear indeed.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Don't discount the possibility of a chamber that's out of round, however. That gap can get ya.

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 That is why we use lube😁

[@jerrybriggs3233]

Great video , good information . 👍

[@matthewkemp5338]

The report of your fifth shot and its muzzle flash sounded and looked different

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Yeah, it's funny I didn't notice it while shooting. I just cooked the hammer and moved on. Thanks for watching.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Nice job on the video. Great info!

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Santee, watch the new buckshot video. There's a request in their for you. Todd

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Darn, autocorrect. "In there for you"

[@megatrends]

Great video ... side note on both of my .36 Caliber 1851 Colt repos I hand filed with a needle file made for filing steel/brass guitar saddles to lower the shot groupings to dead on at 30 yrds. You can do the windage by filing more off one side of the rear sight slot until you are on target. Even with that there is not much front sight to work with and often you are just seeing the tippy top of the front sight after filing the rear sight deeper to lower the shot but I sight for 30 yrds and it targets as good as any other modern handgun with no need to aim lower. I prefer the barrel mounted rear sight on my 1872 Open Top Cimarron .38 Special cartridge replica.

[@megatrends]

This is the result of the above mentioned filing of the rear sight. I did two pistols this way a little at a time while shooting until the pistols got the desired result at thirty yards. here is very short video of firing 6 rds with no jibber jabber BS yacking like I usually do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqbEqWCEq5l_rK8

[@l.a.3887]

Outstanding

[@richardbreisch8049]

Ive always loaded my chambers all six with powder then load all six chambers with your choice of projectile, it just goes faster... You can buy or build a pistol stand to assist in this process also. Just amazes me how many videos with professionals showing all this don't have a stand and are fumbling around holding the pistol on the bench and loading one chamber at a time.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Richard, My lack of a stand bothered one viewer so bad that he sent me one. No more fumbling. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@sasquatch885]

I love my Colt Navies. Both ‘51 & ‘61’s.👍🏻

[@mikepoteet1443]

Which do you like better?

[@sasquatch885]

I’d have to go with the ‘61 just based on the look.

[@garyhiggins4315]

Thans for this video, my ma in focus has always been Archery, but in watching old westerns,all this sort of intricate detail never occurred to me! Now I am getting interested in black powder, I Think I shalI have to actually give it a try! Which is not so easy in England with our wierd firearms rules! 👍👍👍👍👍😊🇬🇧

[@joeybronc4166]

I have a Tradition’s Bison. Have you done a video on one yet. I haven’t shot mine yet.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Hi Joey, I don't have a Traditions Bison, but I'll bet you'll find it accurate. I think they have adjustable sights. Have fun. Todd

[@BaddFrogg777]

Excellent and fun video. The Uberti/Beretta BP clones are nice and the Colt Third Generation's are nice as well.But the 3rd GEN barrels and cylinders are made by Uberti. The Colt Second Generation from 1978 to 1982 are a more authentic design of the originals. Just by looking at the cylinder design etc.. You can see the difference. There's something about looking at the quality of the COLT's. The Uberti's and Pietta's are very well made and the quality is excellent . And at half the price of a COLT they are an excellent deal. Midway USA, Dixie Gun Works and GunBroker there are many to choose from. I prefer to use a loading lever and the paper cartridges are fun to make with cigarette rolling paper. Also using corn meal or grits as filler for the empty space in the making of the paper cartridges. Its also a big debate whether which is better for filler. Corn meal or Grits? There are plenty of KZbin videos on how to prepare cigarette rolling paper into a paper cartridge. Peace

[@BobF321]

Did you know what Wild Bill Hickok preferred ball or conical,or paperloaded? He will have used it in the war before he used it alot out west.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

A very good comparison, the first round ball test last shot was a chain fire, I think it is very evident from the sound of your last shot, the ball could never just fall out given the amount of force it took to seat it, and if it had been dislodged by recoil it would not index round for the last shot you took, probably a cap jumped off and flashed over from the last shot you took, I have never known a properly fitting ball allow a chain fire from the front. Having lived in Eynsford for 40 plus years I have to tell you it is pronounced as in "Ainsford", a peculiarity of the English language. Your videos are really well researched and produced, a welcome change on the youtube system, many thanks for posting! Chris B.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Chris. I was a little perplexed at the moment of the chain fire, but I think your explanation is spot on. Thanks for the pronunciation tip as well. I'll correct that in the future.

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

You probably just don't know chainfires can come from loose or missing caps also. 😁

[@453421abcdefg12345]

@@spiritualawakenings6251 Indeed I do know that, I have never known a chainfire to emanate from a close fitting projectile, chainfire can only come from the nipple end if the projectile is loaded with the correct interference, whereas at the nipple end it can occur for a variety of reasons, loose fitting, or cap jumping off nipple or incorrect size cap, but almost every case of chainfire comes from the back end of the cylinder, especially now we have very thin bad fitting caps at our disposal, stay safe ! Chris B.

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

@@453421abcdefg12345 That is why I make my own caps, balls and Conicals, and powder. I know exactly what I am loading.

[@larryclark9380]

@@spiritualawakenings6251 Is there some reference or information you can share on how to make your own percussion caps correctly?

[@85Reywas]

Brother I haven't heard of the reasoning for using a measurer before, that's an awesome explanation. Love the videos!

[@charliecharlie58]

Always enjoy.

[@ronrobertson59]

I found in all my Uberti 36 cal revolvers the 380 ball works best for a good lead ring cut. I been making paper cartridges using round ball that works well and makes my range trips more fun. I always use slixshot nipples I found I don't have to put a cap pin in the frame to stop cap jams now.

[@sylviacandler5541]

It would be nice to know the ballistics. For example, ###grains, weight of the round ball producing xyz feet per second in velocity.

[@jeffrey4547]

i picked up a gun and the guy said it was a pietta 1851 colt navy 36 for 100 bucks with 5 lbs of black. i thought nothing of it ran the numbers came back clean so i got it . i had it for 3 years shot about 500 rounds through it. when i would clean it i thought this has no making of a pietta. so i looked it up found out it was made in 1958 first year of navy arms / ubirti serial number is 538 and they claim it is worth up to 2,500 which it is in very good condition and very well made

[@troywilliams9610]

What lube are you using. Thanks

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Vigilante Bullet Lube. You can find them on Facebook. Vigilante Candles is the same Montana family. It's good stuff.

[@troywilliams9610]

Thanks

[@jaydo1879]

I’m impressed you got through that with no cap jams. That’s my biggest issue. Good video.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Jay, I've worked with the hammer on the gun to help prevent the cap jams. File the burs off the hammer face so that it's smooth, then round the edges a little on the safety notch so it doesn't pinch the caps. Use a gunsmithing stone for this work if you have one. You just don't want to overdo it. Some folks fill the safety notch with JB Weld and then file it smooth. If you're okay with not having a safety notch, this about eliminates the problem. Mike Bellevue at Duelist1954 has a great video on it if you want to see it done. Duke Frazier has a good one too. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@joeybronc4166]

This was a very good informational video. I learned a few things I didn’t know. Keep putting out the videos.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Joey. Thanks for watching. Todd

[@hirampritchard5588]

Wow, I shot 44 cal. cap & ball revolver for years in the NSSA back in the day and never had or saw a chain fire. I used bee's wax as my lube and to seal off the cylinder, Navey Arms caps and Dupont black powder FFF. Can't remember how many grains though. Lot's of fun. Thanks for the video and the memories.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Until the video, I've never had a chain either. It's weird how things seem to go wrong when you're filming. I decided not to edit it out and, instead, put it in the video.

[@hirampritchard5588]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 Glad you kept it in, very educational. Thanks.

[@utubeu8129]

there is no way in hell im adding another step and filling a powder measurer from a powder measurer

[@pyaeger911]

Why no lubricated wads?!?!!!!

[@megatrends]

16:44 You had a chain fire in the last chamber which you can see in your video on your fifth shot ... that was noticeably more powerful. Then when you fired the empty chamber *click* you can see cap fragments from a fired cap shooting out from the hammer strike. If that was correct by me you should see splatter or burn marks on the wedge in front of that chamber. That chamber is always the one when I'm shooting that chain fires when I do have one. The cap ignited from the one firing next to it as the cap was seated loosely and came more loose as you were rotating and firing the other shots.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks John, I think it happen just as you described. Remarkably, there was no clear evidence down the side of the gun. Thanks for watching. Todd.

[@megatrends]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 Yah, just something that happens when shooting these no matter the caliber. Some people gently squeeze the cap to have it sit tighter but that eggs it and actually promotes chain fires. Better to use the proper cap size for the nipple one chooses. One chain fired chamber is usually fine but when there is two to three or more besides the one you just fired it can be dangerous especially when entering the .44 caliber and up range!

[@kholt275]

5th shot was definitely a chain fire.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Yeah, you're right. Pretty evident when I edited the video on a bigger screen. Thanks for watching.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

👍👍

[@smhs1262]

is there some rule that says you have to dress up like a cowboy when going to shoot cowboy guns?

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

@smhs1262 Yes, section 1, article 4. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@almartin4284]

14 bucks for 6 rounds is very expensive

[@johnmadow5331]

I brought originally 1849 Colt Revolver cal .36" black powder that appear to be original. I spend $318.00 to have competent gunsmiths go over the whole gun for safety evaluation. I originally came from the state of CT and owned some original old colt Single Action like black powder New Frontier 38-40 caliber made in 1905 in nickel plate. In my state (MD) you may needs a license to own firearms that use model cartridge. The old and reproduction black powder are exempt from licensing. My gun club in MD still allowed you to shoot old black powder firearms.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

John, It sounds like you have some cool stuff! Your state laws would be frustrating though. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@rogergoodwin5533]

Would you sell us some # 11 percussion caps

[@matthewkemp5338]

Amazingly spectacular video as always

[@Joey4420]

First of all, I enjoyed watching the video, I am looking at getting into Black Powder revolvers so watching a lot of video's. I do have a question. What camera are you mounting on your glasses?

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Joey, The camera is an AimCam that connects via wifi to my phone. Unfortunately, it locks up every phone I try and got so frustrating I quit using it. Once the phone locks up you have no idea how to adjust the camera for a good view. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@keystoneskiguy2718]

Number 5 chain fire. Bigger flame.

[@job38four10]

I would like to know where a left over burning (ember) comes from in black powder after it's been fired, is there a YT video showing a left over burning ember. All black power I shot, once it's fired, it's done, it's burnt, it's gone, no left over burning embers or powder......

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

I haven't found any and don't want to. My greater concern is finding an ember when using paper cartridges. I have not so far, but it's a habit to be careful and I will continue the practice. Thanks for watching and commenting. Todd

[@NyneZyne]

Ha! I knew that looked like Logan!

[@Fudgieguys1969]

First you loaded two balls and there were four on the table. Next frame, you had completed the loading. So, where did ole number six go? Twight Zone.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

William, If I remember right, I loaded all six and then had a chain fire on shot #5 that also unleased shot #6. I was a little puzzled myself. I never had that happen before. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@alanfaulkner6329]

Do you feel lucky punk? Well do you? I know what your thinking, did he fire six or only five. Tell the truth in all this excitement I kinda forgot myself.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Yeah, but I would have double tapped him with one pull of the trigger! Thanks for watching, Todd

[@josephhaack5711]

What holster r are you using?

[@bunkstagner298]

Doctor your instructions on safety and loading were excellent. A new shooter will learn the right way and especially using a measure to load the powder. I checked a cylinder from a Uberti1861.36 Navy and found every chamber was a couple of thousands out of round.To check one chamber was dry balled and the .375" ball showed a nice sealing band all the way around. However each chamber has that sharp edge broken and instead of shaving a ring of lead the ball is swaged into the chamber very tightly. I thank you for all your work watching and learning every time.Your work is appreciated.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Bunk, I appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching and sharing your loading experience. I know what you mean about swaging the ball. Todd

[@bunkstagner298]

and by he way that .36 Navy has a .375' bore so a .380" ball is a proper tight fit.

[@johnoconnor431]

i respect all guns because i was a Marine

[@chrisbaron1706]

he said earlier about five toon idk

[@johnfaccin5943]

You said you were only loading 5.

[@TheCowboyFastDraw]

Great video man

[@michaelhenneman5600]

So I'm guessing that the butter doesn't affect the accuracy or the speed of the bullet..

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Michael, Most of the time the heat of the burning powder vaporizes the lubricant so accuracy is improved due to the soft fouling left behind. The bullet lube can, on rare occasion, stick to the bullet and throw it off a little. But the lack of lube diminishes accuracy quickly. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@karlgreat4166]

Can’t see anything too far away

[@earlwheelock7844]

In using the paper cartridges how does the flash from the cap reach the powder thru the paper without poking a hole thru the nipple and thru the paper?.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Earl, The flash from the cap burns through. No hole necessary. But great question. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@samspencer582]

Did they only made these Colt Navys in 36 cal or did they make any in 44 cal too?

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Sam, The Navy caliber was .36 and the Army caliber was .44. I'd like to know more about the military adoption of these calibers, but I know Colt's marketing had some influence. The 1851 Navy was exclusively a .36 caliber gun while the 1860 Army was .44 only. Some reproductions will confuse you because they put a .44 caliber "Navy" on the market. It's not historically correct. If you wanted a .44 caliber, you had a Walker, Dragoon, or Army revolving pistol. Great question. Thanks for commenting, Todd

[@crtfdshoota1473]

Have one for sale lmk

[@terryqueen3233]

I'm sure that I seen this before and left a comment but I wasn't going through all of the comments to find where I left it. so with that said I have a 51 Navy but it's a traditions model and it shoots about like yours does. now mine takes number 10 caps and I had almost the same thing happened to me but right after shooting I realized, and it was when my grandson was shooting it, it hit on a cap but there was no powder or lead in it and it just went pop my grandson looked at me and said what happened paw paw and at that second I realized I loaded five rounds but when I was putting the cap on I put six caps on so I told him just cock it again and Fire LOL. but I figured my mystery out I haven't gotten to the end of yours yet I'm hoping that you will show the mystery or I guess I could just go back through it again which I will if you don't show the mystery. thanks for the video but the Traditions gun well not as good as the, well here goes the memory again I guess, the gun you were shooting so again thanks for the video my memory is starting to fail me now and I see that yours is too on the last video I watched that you just put out. hey you're not alone on this memory failing stuff. keep ye powder dry PS, you did show the mystery and I didn't see it Chainfire but the video doesn't lie. I've never experienced that yet and a friend of mine well let me go back to the beginning. the very first black powder pistol that I bought and there ain't no way I can remember the name of it but the owner of the gun shop told me if I put a small dab of Grease on the nipple, just slide it on the side of the nipple, that the Caps will stay on and they won't fall off it is only a very small amount of grease that you slide on the side of the nipple of course you know not to get it inside the nipple that was kind of stupid for me to even say that but anyway give it a shot it works. and again thanks for the video.

[@bman2549]

no wadding

[@robertgedritis5790]

Good video. I've got a problem I've never had in years of shooting mine. A stuck barrel wedge pin. I won't slide out

[@chrisbaron1706]

got to mention it seals out water surprised you did not mention that

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Chris. Good point. Todd

[@matthewkemp5338]

Have you tested the difference between magnum percussion caps and standard caps?

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

I have not tested both caps. The standard have always done the trick, so I haven't shot magnum caps.

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Ive used em... saw no diff between them and remington #10 or rws 1075. They all work i use real black powder

[@CVGamingLab]

#BallGate

[@jeffboone7959]

Loading it in combat must have been a nightmare.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Jeff, You didn't load it in combat unless under favorable circumstances and with paper cartridges to speed things up. The advantage was 6 shots instead of a single shot muzzle loading pistol that became a club as soon as you fired it. Border raiders carried several Colt's so they could pull a loaded one rather than reload. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@darrenhill4022]

Great video good shooting and interesting comparison. With the greatest respect though I would suggest having fingers aft of the chamber mouth when applying the caps. I was introduced to these firearms 30 odd years ago and that is what I was Taught. Haven't had any incidents (touch wood) but it seemed good advice to me.

[@jamesnelson1968]

I believe that the largest caliber of the Paterson revolvers was 40.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

James, I only found them up to .36 caliber. I'll double check some antique firearms books. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@jamesnelson1968]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 You could be right, I just tried to find the reference on line for a 40 caliber and couldn't. I am old and I remember reading that the calibers ranged from .28 to .40 many years ago but where I read it is lost in time.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Good video!! I've never had a chain fire with my 1851. It figures you would have one while filming, LOL. I've always used slightly lubed wads in mine. Considering the gun and the ammo, you were getting fairly good groups. I agree with you that these guns are NOT toys. Look at what Wild Bill Hickok did with a pair of 1851's !! I believe (but not sure) he was using an 1851 in that famous street duel where he killed his opponent at 75 yards, right through the heart no less. OH BY THE WAY, I don't think you had a chain fire in the traditional sense. What probably happened was the cap fell off on number 6 prior to shooting #5. When you shot #5 it ignited #6 through the nipple.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks for commenting. You are correct in both statements. Hickok was shooting an 1851 and the cap fell off of the last cone before I fired shot number 5. Great observations. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@johnnottahcal5725]

KZbin stumbled me into your range day. Boy o boy do you have a shooter there! “..alittle shaky..” Ya. Wonder about shootin mysteries definitely does that! 😊 I once video’d a how-to for a long distance buddy and ended up with my 1st ever chainfire! Spent the next hour playing detective. Undersized balls snuck into my ball bag and MAYBE I missed top lube on a cylinder, but I don’t believe so. He can watch your video. 👍😊

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Hi John, thanks for watching. My first-ever chain fire was on this video. A loose cap was probably the culprit. It is a little unnerving. Todd

[@deanmeyer1815]

I have reproduction Remington .44 caliber and a Ruger Old Army stainless Bi-centennial .44 caliber. Shooting reduced target loads, I use corn meal as a filler between powder and bullet and shortening on he face of the cylinder to lube and soften fouling. Soldiers during the Civil War used corn meal to conserve powder. Both shoot inside 3 inches at 25 yards, using 25 grains of 3f Scheutzen black powder in both guns. 165 grain .45 caliber semi wad cutters in the Ruger brings the group down another half-an-inch with no fouling problems. I really enjoy watching your vids. I sometimes pick up some good pointers and hope others try this fun sport.

[@deanmeyer1815]

I use 30 grains 3f Scheutzen with the wad cutters.

[@richardriley8906]

I use 10grains cornmeal as an over the powder cover between the powder and ball then lube the ball slightly with bore butter. No chainfires.They used it from my research especially in hot inveronments. Your lube melts out in the heat. You'll have chain fires. Experianced Inthusiast

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Riley, I have not found evidence of corn meal being used historically. So this is new info. It is a usual trick to prevent chain fires and I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for commenting. Todd

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

I'm curious about the use of the intermediate stage in loading powder. It's certainly not historical to do it that way, and it would have slowed the reloading process way down during time of need back in the day. Was there a history of a lot of people blowing their hands up using the spout on the powder flask? Any documented cases?

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks for watching. I have not run across a documented case of a flask blowing up from an ember in the chamber. There are few documented cases of firearm injuries in the 1800s from any cause. But we know they happened - although I can't say from loading a percussion revolver. Reloading during battle seldom happened and, if it did, the ammunition was likely paper cartridge thus eliminating the need to measure powder. The biggest risk is shooting paper cartridge and then pouring in loose powder. The remnants of the paper could hold an ember. At any rate, the likelihood of blowing up your flask is low. But if it happens the result could be catastrophic. I play it safe. Thanks again, Todd

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 I use the flask directly, and have for many years. Before charging, though, I tilt the chambers towards the sun and look down there. All I ever see is black steel down there. No embers or even particles of any sort.

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

@@frontierwesternheritage1356 As to your point about mainly paper cartridges being used, this was really only the case in the military. Prior to the Civil War, most folks not in the military used the flask.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

@@therealhawkeyeii7888 👍 Agreed.

[@Maryquieffofscotts]

Great video. However as I recently inherited my grandfathers old 1851 and with much research I’ve learned why would anyone in history put grease on the cylinder and walk around for this only to collect dirt and grime that you would soon be sending down a riffled barrel? Completely unnecessary if the gun is well maintained. Civil war soldiers did not have the time to grease cylinders .

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Tyler, You are correct. The instructions that came with the pistol did not include covering the end of each chamber with bullet lube. The expectation was that you wouldn't reload on the battlefield, but would clean the gun back at camp and then reload. In most cases anyway. The cylinder arbor was greased, however, and, with the cylinder on, not exposed to dirt. The trouble starts when you shoot multiple cylinders full at the range. The fouling gets chalky enough to cause problems. The above is applicable to using round ball. Conical bullets had grease grooves. So a soldier could have a lubed bullet with the lube protected down in the chamber where it wouldn't get filled with grime. That's the kind of bullet that came with paper cartridges issued by the army. Great observations. Thanks for watching and congrats on inheriting an incredible piece of history! Todd

[@johnndavis7647]

Loading revolvers at the range is much easier using a loading stand. This keeps the gun pointed in a safe direction while it frees up both of your hands for measuring powder etc. Thanks for all you do John Davis Jax Fl

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks John, You're right. I have one now thanks to a gift received. I'll use it from here on out. Todd

[@dowdawg]

Chain fire last shot

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Yep, first time it's ever happened to me. Left me very surprised. Todd

[@453421abcdefg12345]

A Happy New Year to you Todd! I have just watched this video again and something you said made a light come on in my head! "Colt called these washer wads", one problem with using felt wads under the ball/conical, is that they tend to give less accuracy, but if we punch a hole in the wad, (like a washer), we can fill that hole with lube to keep fowling soft, but the main breakthrough here is that on leaving the muzzle, instead of sticking to the projectile the muzzle blast will blow the washer apart because the greater pressure is coming from the centre of the wad, so there is no chance of a wad sticking, I often find extra holes in the target when I use wads, and they must affect the flight of the projectile, tomorrow I will load up some "washers" and try them, it does seem odd that Colt called them "washer wads" rather than just wads, so it does seem to imply they had a washer like hole in them. Stay warm! Chris B.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Chris, I hope your year is off to a good start. Let me know how the experiment goes. I received another comment below that a washer wad was just a felt wad that was thought to clean or wash the bore on the way out. That could be correct. But a wad that has a payload of black powder behind it doesn't wash much. So, who knows. But I am interested in hearing how your trial goes. Todd

[@jackreed2627]

what kind of lead would i use for a 1859 pietta black powder

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Jack, Conicals are hard to find pre-made. But you can find round balls. Most will be soft lead to seat the projectile easily with the rammer. Look for .375. I've also had good luck with .380 round balls. You can find them with an internet search. Thanks for watching, Todd

[@jackreed2627]

how about 433 or 451

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

@@jackreed2627 I think we may be talking about two different guns. I took your 1859 as a typo for an 1851. What gun do you have? Todd

[@82c10]

Great video as always, been one of my favorites to watch, over and over. Thanks for the content! Hey also that wasn't by chance the range in Big Sky MT was it? Looks very similar, to the range I go to most the time.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks for watching. I've been at the range near Logan just west of Manhattan, MT. I'll have to check out the range in Big Sky. Todd

[@tnbass2833]

I have several colt cap and ball guns and I have found that if you smooth up the hammer face and round the edges of the safety notch it will just about eliminate cap sucking. If you shoot cowboy action with them you can also jb weld the notch since you can only load 5.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks Tn, I have worked on the hammer face and notch on a few of my pistols and it makes a huge difference. Haven't got to them all. Great tip. Todd

[@Goojy-Gooj]

I'm new to black powder, just curious about your loading process. No wads?

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks for watching, Isaac. I put the lube over the ball instead of using a lubed wad. It can be done either way. If I were planning on carrying a loaded percussion revolver in a holster while hunting, I'd use a lubed wad. It's much cleaner that way. My conicals were dripped in lube and have a groove to hold some as well. Therefore, no wad or lube over the top needed. Todd

[@thedstroyer462]

Thanks for the advice! Just purchased my first revolver and although I intend to pour powder from the powder measure, I never thought how the powder horn has a possibility of detonating like an M80 if poured onto an ember haha good to know

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks for watching. Todd

[@Matzah1982]

You get better consistency of grains of powder too when a measure is used because often with putting a finger over the mouth of the powder flask spout the flesh of the finger pushes into the mouth and it can turn a 20 grain measurement into a 17 grain measurement

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Yes, and the sweatier you are, the more sticks to your finger. Thanks for watching. Todd

[@kholt275]

Cool demo. I find that 15 grain charges in the 36 give best accuracy..

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Thanks. I do know several people who agree. They use cornmeal to fill up the rest of the chamber so the ball is closer to the top.

[@jasongannon7676]

I've used cap and ball for self defense, and it's very effective.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

Jason, I bet. They are nothing to scoff at. Todd